The Education of Preschool Exceptional Children. A Guide for School Administrative Units and Child Development Services Coordination Sites.

Kierstead, John T.; Donovan, Susan

This paper describes service delivery to Maine's preschool exceptional children (ages 3 to 5) in the context of a public school setting, and examines the relationship among Maine's Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation, School Administrative Units, Child Development Services (CDS), and CDS Coordination Sites. Child Development Services is described as a statewide interdepartmental coordination network of services for children who have handicaps or are at risk for developmental delay, and for their families. The role of Child Development Services in coordinating services to ensure a free and appropriate education to the target population is emphasized. The paper introduces the history of service to and the education of preschool children in Maine and its interagency, collaborative focus. Issues related to Childfind and preschool screening, the Pupil Evaluation Team process, Child Count, program options, and state and federal funding are addressed. Appendixes offer a list of CDS Coordination Sites and an organizational chart. (Contains 20 references.) (JDD)